WEST VIRGINIA STATE PENITENTIARY
MOUNDSVILLE, WV
JULY 30, 2011
​

HISTORY

The facility opened in 1866 with 251 male inmates, some of which constructed the prison and closed in 1995.  An interesting fact I came across is that this prison has a similar Gothic design as the prison in Joliet, Illinois, only it is half the size of Northern Illinois Penitentiary in Joliet.  On the outside, the building does have a mysterious, medieval feel with turrets and a castle-like appearance. In the 1900s the prison housed many industries and the inmates went to work in the carpentry, painting, brick yard, blacksmith, tailor, bakery, and hospital jobs which supported the institution financially.  During the 20th century conditions at the prison went downhill and it was ranked on the United States Department of Justice's Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities list.  Many riots and escapes have plagued the prison.

Charles Manson requested to be transferred to the prison to be closer to his family, his letter can be found on display at the prison but his request was denied.

Executions were performed at the prison.  First hangings in a building called the Wagon Gate took place.  One notable hanging was that of Frank Hyer who murdered his wife.  His full body weight was put into the noose as the trap door opened and decapitated him.  In 1951 the electric chair, also called Old Sparky, was used and can be seen during the tour.

The grounds are still used for law enforcement training and mock riot drills.


CLAIMS

One claim is that the prison is built on Native American burial grounds.  Right across the street from it, is Grave Creek Mound Archeology Complex.  Coincidence?  Some people claim the building is plagued with residual hauntings, a replay of tragic past events, a shadow man, disembodied voices, and cold spots.  There are many hot spots in the prison, including The Sugar Shack, Chapel, Showers, Death Row, and the Wagon Gate.

Read about the Greenbrier Ghost, the only ghost to testify in a murder trial.


TIPS AND DIRECTIONS

Cyndi and Joey drove from Gettysburg to Moundsville, about 4 hours, and took the guided tour of the prison, reasonably priced.  A former prison guard showed us around the prison and told stories of his own experiences there.  We did not have any paranormal experiences, and unfortunately were not able to take the night ghost tour which is offered.  The prison was smaller than expected and located in town, just off the main road.  You can get there by taking I-470 to exit 5A, US 250-S turns into Jefferson Ave., which down the road continues to the left, look for signs, we made the mistake of going past this "turn off".  The prison is on the left hand side, you can't miss it!  Address is 818 Jefferson Ave.

Click here for tour information and annual haunted house.

MORE STOPS ON OUR HAUNTED ROAD TRIP

Farnsworth House Inn, Gettysburg, PA
Sachs Covered Bridge, Gettysburg, PA
Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum, Weston, WV

Click to set custom HTML